Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is a park with attractive natural beauty that changes with the seasons. No matter what season you visit, you can rediscover its new charms and never get bored. In spring, various flowers such as cherry blossoms and camellias bloom in full, giving you a sense of the season's breath. In summer, the lush green trees give a powerful impression, and hydrangeas and gardenias bloom in vivid colors. In autumn, the leaves of deciduous trees change color, and roses and kinmokusei bloom, captivating you with the expressive power of nature. And in winter, you can see the branches without leaves, winter flowers, and winter birds, feeling the arrival of spring. It's a great idea to make seasonal memories with family, couples, or friends in groups, or to visit alone and enjoy the changing seasons at a leisurely pace.

Shinjuku Gyoen began as land given by Tokugawa Ieyasu to Naito Kiyonari as part of the Edo residence, and is now the largest garden in Tokyo under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment. There are many historic buildings on the grounds, making it a recommended spot for those who love history, architecture, and art! Among them, the former Western-style clubhouse is a club house built for the imperial family in 1896, featuring a Stick-style design based on American architectural style. In addition, the former Summerhouse is a genuine Chinese-style building presented to celebrate the marriage of the Crown Prince in 1927. Designed by architect Matsunosuke Moriyama, the building incorporates features of Chinese Binan-style architecture and is popular among tourists as a resting place during their stroll. There are many other historic buildings scattered throughout the park, so be sure to find them while taking a leisurely stroll.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden has approximately 65 species and 1,100 cherry blossom trees planted in the park. In spring, the park is decorated with cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it a recommended spot for cherry blossom viewing. The cherry blossom viewing spots are scattered throughout the park's large grounds, so the crowds are relatively calm. You can enjoy various types of cherry blossoms such as double-flowered cherry blossoms, weeping cherry blossoms, and Yoshino cherry blossoms in the park. Especially around Tamamo-ike Pond and the lower pond, Takato Oku Higan and Shidarezakura are in full bloom, creating a fantastic landscape. There are also night-time cherry blossom illuminations, making it perfect for a romantic date. The fantastic scenery of the night-time cherry blossoms makes you feel like you're in a different world.

There are four cafes and restaurants located within Shinjuku Gyoen where you can take a break or enjoy a meal. At the Central Rest Area Cafe "SASAYAIORI+Shinjuku Gyoen," you can enjoy a variety of treats such as the Fukurai dorayaki Sakura Special, Strawberry Special, and a set of matcha and wagashi while taking in the seasonal scenery. It's a luxurious moment where you can savor Japanese sweets while enjoying the view. At the restaurant "Tsubura no," the Tsubura no Bento, which includes seasonal dishes, and the Oedo Eda Bento, which features Kyoto cuisine on handmade dishes, are popular. You can also enjoy hearty set meals such as the oyakodon made with Oyama chicken and the gyudon topped with sweet and savory simmered beef. All of the shops offer delicious food and Japanese sweets while enjoying the lush greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen. Why not stop by during your stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen?

Shinjuku Gyoen holds various events throughout the year, and here are some recommended ones! First, there's the "Chrysanthemum Exhibition" held in November. The exhibition features flowers decorated in a unique style in the strolling Japanese garden, and is a sight to behold as it carries on the tradition of the imperial family. In September, the "Forest Bonfire Noh" is held, where you can enjoy the world of mysterious Noh theater performed in the bonfire. In addition, a photo contest is held throughout the year, open to anyone who has taken a photo in the park, regardless of when it was taken. Capture the changing seasons and nature with your camera and submit your best shot! Why not visit the park for its year-round events and experience the beauty of nature and the depth of culture at Shinjuku Gyoen?